Personal service is one of the most common methods that certified process servers use. However, alternatives, such as delivering documents to the residence (whether the required party is present or not), or using courier services, as described in the video. In some cases, the court may approve alternative process service methods.
The certified process servers are not at liberty to decide the method to use. They are also not allowed to switch from one method to another.
The courts determine the process server method, and certified process servers have to comply. Personal service is the preferred method because the person is recorded to have received the legal documents.
Courts even allow process servers to drop the documents at the recipient’s feet if they refuse to accept the documents. However, if the person keeps avoiding the process server, especially after multiple visits, the courts may approve alternative methods.
In the service at the place of residence method, any adult in the household can receive the documents on behalf of the respondent. The court will assume that the person has been served, even though someone else received the documents. Alternatively, a copy of the documents can be sent by courier service.
The courts can also allow substituted services. This allows certified process servers to leave the documents at the person’s door, mail the documents to the respondent’s lawyer, or send them by email. If the respondent’s address is unknown, the court may allow a newspaper ad, use of social media, or send the documents to the last known address.
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